Where to renew in 2025
As we ease into the new year, this is the perfect time to plan a wellness retreat where we can replenish, renew and recalibrate.
The landscape of travel continues to evolve, with wellness retreats emerging as the vanguard of transformative experiences. No longer mere escapes, retreats have become essential catalysts for personal growth and holistic well-being. They give us an opportunity to level up our longevity potential by cultivating new habits and integrating these into our lives.
Many destinations now provide expert programs curated by functional and medical doctors. From inflammation-reducing detox regimens to soul-nourishing yoga and hiking retreats, they offer a diverse spectrum of options to restore and enrich our body, mind and spirit, allowing us to return home from a vacation feeling recharged.
How we travel impacts our personal and planetary wellbeing. By choosing eco-friendly destinations, we contribute to a more sustainable world. Here’s a selection of incredible retreats to reset you for the year ahead…
AUSTRALIA
Change your daily habits and change your life! At Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Australia’s premier eco-certified wellness destination, the signature ‘Ultimate Wellness’ retreat promises a deep and transformational experience.
Set on hundreds of acres of Australian bushland, Gwinganna provides a low-tech environment for one to disconnect and get out in nature.
For those seeking real and lasting change, this retreat blends holistic practices addressing mindset, nutrition, movement and education – all designed to cleanse and detox the body, boost energy, and leave one radiant, renewed and recharged.
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Everything at Gwinganna is tailored to optimize our wellbeing. A portion of the organic food is harvested on-site and presented with gourmet flair. These meals are designed to reduce inflammation in the body, balance blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and feed the gut microbiome. There’s no caffeine or alcohol, as the goal is to calm our nervous system, improve sleep and minimize stress.
Inspiring activities begin with sunrise solar gazing and Qi Gong, followed by nature hikes, slow yoga, functional movement, mindful meditation and Pilates. At the heart of Gwinganna is the spa where one can experience the best of Eastern and Western therapies, brain mapping, mental and emotional healing, physical assessments, sacred feminine rituals, tarot and astrology.
A highlight is the daily wellness seminars presented by the team of expert practitioners – learn the latest on cognitive health, nutrition, sleep and stress.
There’s so much more to share about Australia’s leading retreat. Ultimately, immersing in nature here is the optimal strategy for renewing our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
COSTA RICA
Surrender to a slower pace at The Retreat Costa Rica, located on a stunning quartz mountain in the lush rainforest of Atenas, just 30 minutes from San Jose airport.
Founded by celebrity chef Diana Stobo in 2016, The Retreat Costa Rica emphasizes the healing power of nature. The retreat welcomes regular guests, and what’s more, there are several wellness programs including ‘Authentic Ayurveda’, ‘Emotional Healing & Recovery’, ‘Fitness Reboot and Fat Burning’, ‘The Big M Mastering Menopause’ and ‘Sensual Awakening’ to name a few.
The Retreat, Costa Rica
If it’s deep rest and repair you need, then ‘The Art of Resting’ will appeal. The 5-night retreat is tailored to address stress, feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, promote sleep and support our parasympathetic nervous system. Enjoy farm-to-table seasonal cuisine complemented with movement, meditation and yoga alongside self-guided, grounding mountain explorations. Treatments range from Ayurveda and Cranial Massages to pranayama and sound healing.
The highlight? No televisions, no phones – just the gentle sounds of nature to infuse your being with tranquility.
With the demand for wellness tourism accelerating, The Retreat Costa Rica has recently embarked on an ambitious $3 million expansion, adding 26,500 square feet encompassing a clubhouse, three restaurants and 10 luxury lofts – all poised for completion in late April 2025.
GREECE
Feeling fatigued, overwhelmed or not thriving in life?
When our lifestyle becomes a cocktail of unhealthy food, alcohol, and not enough exercise and sleep, then all of this takes its toll on our body. To combat this, Euphoria Retreat has introduced ‘Advanced Medical Holistic Longevity Program’ to their menu.
Nestled in the picturesque Peloponnese region a few hours’ drive from Athens, Euphoria Retreat is revered for its commitment to sustainability and potent blend of ancient Greek and Chinese healing philosophies.
Crafted in partnership with renowned metabolic experts EUCRASIA-IMON and clinical nutritionists, the longevity program begins at home with Euphoria’s Advanced Diagnostics Kit, designed for the easy collection of samples – blood, urine, saliva and stool. Your results are shared with you through an online medical consultation before your arrival.
A hyper-personalized wellness plan is designed to enhance one’s physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional balance, social wellbeing and spiritual growth.
Euphoria Retreat
While the Signature Holistic Longevity Program is the core offering; there are four specialized modules depending on your needs: ‘Advanced Cellular Detox’, ‘Optimal Immunity’, ‘Euphoric Sleep’ and ‘Holistic Female Health’.
Expect a rejuvenating stay filled with outdoor activities like hiking and yoga. Facilities include state-of-the-art spa, and in true Mediterranean style, communal dining is celebrated. Share your stories with other guests over nutrient-rich meals curated using local, seasonal and antioxidant-rich ingredients.
With charming villages nearby and abundant natural beauty, Euphoria Retreat is a magical destination to replenish and recharge.
MEXICO
With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico stands as a beacon of health and wellness in the Americas, and is an ideal choice to renew your health and spirit for the year ahead.
Nestled on seven hectares of lush greenery in the Costa Mujeres region, this is the second property by SHA Mexico (the first one opened in Spain in 2008), and it is establishing a reputation for its cutting-edge diagnostic, medical and holistic offerings.
SHA Mexico
Check into one of the 100 suites and private residences, all with floor to ceiling views of the Caribbean, and embark on a transformative journey of rejuvenation and preventative care.
At the heart of SHA Mexico is the holistic SHA Method that combines advanced medical practices with natural healing. Select from personalized health programs that range from detoxification, stress management, sleep disorder, hormonal health to weight management and anti-aging.
The SHA Method embraces advanced diagnostics, nutrition, longevity, regenerative medicine, emotional well-being, and health education, all tailored to one’s needs and goals. Receive the best in personalized nutrition, therapeutic treatments, fitness and movement.
With the soothing Caribbean at your doorstep, SHA Mexico is an optimal destination to level up your longevity.
ITALY
A trip to Italy is always a good idea, but a retreat at FORESTIS in the Dolomites is next level.
Set high in the mountains amid alpine trees, Forestis is founded on sustainable practices and holistic healing. The luxurious retreat offers a serene setting for one to unwind and reconnect with their true selves.
Sleep in stunning suites or villas and nourish on fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. Spa treatments are inspired by ancient Celtic traditions – experience stone pine massages and spruce body scrubs incorporating the healing properties of local trees such as mountain pine, spruce, larch, and Swiss stone pine.
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Beyond the spa, Forestis promotes high vibration wellness through activities such as Wyda Yoga (an ancient Celtic Druid practice with elements of Qi Gong), guided hikes, and outdoor adventures that connect visitors with nature and self. Situated 1,800 meters above sea level, FORESTIS is located nearby skiing, snowboarding and snowshoe hiking.
When our path to health is enhanced by nature (mountain air and spring water), then Forestis provides a stunning setting for complete renewal.
MALDIVES
If the vibrant and sparkling Maldives is on your travel radar, then consider a wellness stay at JOALI BEING, the first Wellbeing Island retreat launched in this magical part of the world.
Nestled on Bodufushi Island in the Raa Atoll, JOALI WELLBEING offers a range of transformative experiences centered around self-discovery and renewal.
The resort features 68 luxurious villas, each with a private pool and design rooted in biophilic principles. JOALI BEING harmoniously integrates nature into every aspect. Wellness-wise, the emphasis is a holistic approach through Four Pillars: Mind, Skin, Microbiome, and Energy.
JOALI BEING Maldives
A full spectrum of unique offerings range from marine and water sports to cacao ceremonies, cryotherapy, hair analysis, herbology workshops, intelligent movement, and sound therapy chambers all complemented with personalized nutrition plans crafted by expert nutritionists. We love that there’s padel and tennis – both evidence-backed sports that increase our life span!
With its pristine beaches and serene lagoons, JOALI BEING provides an immersive experience for body, mind and spirit. From the soothing sounds of ocean waves to the grounding embrace of ivory sands, every moment on this Wellbeing island is designed to inspire freedom and lightness for the year ahead.
NEW ZEALAND
Words like spirit-warming and soul-enriching come to mind when describing a wellness adventure at Aro Ha Wellness Retreat situated in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Alps.
Immersed in mountains and lakes, Aro Ha is a sustainable retreat that features all one could wish for in an impactful wellness getaway – time off the digital devices and sacred time in nature.
Essentially, your day is a rhythmic flow of morning yoga, communal plant-based, nutrient-rich meals, daily hikes and sublime massages, complemented with evening open air hot and cold dips and both infrared and Nordic saunas. In between, there’s an array of evidence-based educational workshops plus activities to open your heart and expand your energy field. We love that there is a maximum capacity of just 20 guests that adds to the meaningful experience.
Aro Ha, New Zealand
That said, time at Aro Ha is not always a walk in the park. Some of the (optional) hikes can be physically challenging, zero caffeine is tough, and the day of silence may be confronting for some. And yet, these are the moments that will remain with you long after you have departed. Embracing the opportunity to hit the pause button and take time to listen within feels both grounding and enriching. After all, the sole purpose for Aro Ha is to support their guests in better knowing themselves and their human potential.
Recently, they introduced the ‘GlycanAge Biological Age Testing’ which allows guests to test their DNA before and after retreating to measure the impact of their time at Aro Ha (the first set of results that came back from one retreat guest revealed a reduction of 2.15 years). Guests are also invited to rent screen-free wearable devices such as an Oura Ring and FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor for real-time wellness data.
There’s so much more to discover about Aro Ha, but the best way is through personal experience. Time at Aro Ha will deepen your yoga practice and also encourage you to step beyond your comfort zone. Expect your true essence to soar and shine.
THAILAND
Everyone’s talking about the RAKxa Integrative Wellness, an integrated wellness and medical retreat situated on the serene Bang Krachao island (dubbed the green lung) near Bangkok.
Partnering with VitalLife, the wellness arm of the highly reputed Bumrungrad Hospital, ‘RAKxa Integrative Wellness’ provides the best of doctor consultations, cutting-edge medical science and assessments. Yet, what makes this destination sought after is they combine state-of-the-art modern medicine with the best in traditional healing practices, including Traditional Thai Medicine and Ayurvedic therapies that gives one a holistic experience.
RAKxa Integrative Diagnostics Thailand
RAKxa facilities are some of the world’s best (a highlight is the state-of-the-art medical gym and wellness programs designed by a team of experienced health professionals). Each of their wellness journeys can be tailored personally to your unique health goals and range from detoxification, stress management, sleep therapy and immune boosting, to name a few.
To enhance your flexibility, mobility and posture, we recommend the 5, 7 and 10-night ‘Enhanced Mobilization’ retreat tailored to combat our modern sedentary and digital lifestyles. Feel reassured you are receiving the best in class in exercise; Pilates, yoga and sports science, along with recovery therapies such as light therapy, infrared and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Kamalaya on the island of Koh Samui is another world-renowned retreat blending functional diagnostics with holistic healing. Set against a backdrop of lush tropical landscapes, Kamalaya offers a unique approach to wellness, integrating ancient Eastern traditions with modern Western practices.
The Wellness Sanctuary features open air treatment spaces, herbal steam caverns, thermal plunge pools overlooking rainforest and the Gulf of Thailand as well as a world-class gym. Give your being over to the team of over 100 certified wellness professionals including naturopaths, doctors of traditional Chinese medicine, functional medicine doctors, nutritionists, life transformation experts, Ayurvedic and Thai therapists, fitness specialists, yoga and meditation teachers.
Kamalaya group meditation
Wellness seekers can book high-sensitivity preventive cancer screenings and heavy metal toxicity tests. All this, plus over 70 therapies and treatments embracing detoxification, stress relief, and weight management, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Yoga. As well, a biohacking area with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone and IV therapy.
Consider the ‘Radiant Bliss’ wellness program that focuses on women’s health and offers a pathway to empower yourself with the knowledge and practical tools to synchronize with your body’s natural needs. The program is tailored for women of all ages and different life cycles. Other programs at Kamalaya include ‘Asian Bliss,’ ‘Ideal Weight’, ‘Sleep Enhancement,’ ‘Resilience and Immunity’ to name a few. ☐
Embrace pro-active aging at these 3 leading USA-based retreat destinations…
Menla Retreat, Catskills
DEWA SPA, MENLA
Menla, a hidden oasis in the Catskill mountains, has expanded its offerings to include Medi-spa treatments for longevity. Guests can now enhance their retreat experience with CELLGYM hypoxia training and wellness IV infusions alongside traditional Tibetan therapies. The 300-acre sanctuary is renowned for its spiritual and wellness retreats, featuring yoga, meditation, hiking trails, and the unique Dewa Spa. Menla also recently launched the world’s first Tibet-inspired luxury skincare range.
The Carillon Miami
The Carillon Miami
This luxury hotel is dedicated to health and wellbeing, offering cutting-edge holistic wellness treatments and therapies, including a specialized retreat focused on longevity and preventative health. Carillon Miami’s Biostation provides precise diagnostics to help identify imbalances and prevent disease progression, offering guests a personalized road map for longevity and wellness far beyond their stay. From Cryotherapy and red-light therapy to chakra balancing and the cell-charging BioCharger, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort provides an innovative approach to wellness that results in a unique healing destination.
Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
Canyon Ranch has launched LONGEVITY8™, a comprehensive 4-day personalized retreat. This immersive program includes full accommodations, access to over 30 daily wellness activities, and 18 one-on-one consultations with longevity experts. By analyzing 15+ diagnostic tests and over 200 biomarkers, board-certified doctors, registered dietitians, and performance scientists craft a tailored plan aimed at helping guests live healthier and longer.
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